Cup of Coffee: Anthony belts first Triple-A HR, Campbell makes WooSox debut

8/21 Cup of Coffee: Roman Anthony (pictured) had a monster game for the WooSox that included his first Triple-A home run. Kristian Campbell also made his Triple-A debut and turned in a strong effort. Hunter Dobbins and Yordanny Monegro each turned in terrific starts, combining for 11 shutout innings. Franklin Arias came up with a clutch hit in Salem's wild win, and the regular season also came to an end for the DSL clubs.

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Roman Anthony had the best game of his young Triple-A career, as the number one prospect in the system went 4 for 5 with a double, three RBI, and four runs scored. It was the third four-hit game of his professional career. Kristian Campbell also made his Triple-A debut, playing shortstop and batting in the three spot. He went 2 for 5 with a pair of singles, three runs knocked in, and a stolen base. Eddy Alvarez had a nice game as well, going 2 for 3 with his 21st double of the year, two runs scored, and his 18th stolen base. Shane Drohan struggled, allowing four earned runs on five hits and four walks through 3 1/3 frames. He did punch out five. Chase Shugart had a great night, tossing 1 2/3 innings of shutout baseball with three strikeouts and no walks. Yohan Ramirez collected his fourth save of the year with a pair of shutout innings and two strikeouts. 

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Hunter Dobbins spun a gem in this tough loss for Portland. The 24-year old right-hander threw six shutout innings with just three hits and one walk allowed. He punched out seven, the fifth time he has reached that mark this year. Juan Daniel Encarnacion took loss despite allowing just one run over three innings. He struck out two and did not issue a walk. The Portland offense was stymied, collecting just one hit, a single from Nathan Hickey. Jhostynxon Garcia drew a walk and swiped a bag. 

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Yordanny Monegro was phenomenal on the bump, tossing five shutout innings with just one hit allowed. The 25th ranked prospect tied a season-high with eight strikeouts to go along with just two walks. Our own Ian Cundall was in attendance and notes his strong slider and an uptick in changeup usage. Isaac Stebens, who picked up the win, was also very good out of the bullpen. He threw the final 2 1/3 innings without allowing a run or a hit, striking out three with only one walk. Ronald Rosario and Bryan Gonzalez each went 2 for 4 with a home run, with Rosario adding a two-bagger. Mikey Romero had the key hit, a go-ahead RBI double in the seventh that proved to be the game-winning RBI. Justin Riemer was also 2 for 4 with a double and two runs. 

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The Sox won in exciting fashion, as Franlin Arias came through with a clutch two-run double to tie the game at seven in the bottom of the eighth. In the bottom of the ninth, Salem had one of the strangest walk-off wins you'll see. Nelly Taylor reached on an error with one out, then moved up to second on a balk. After Andruw Musett was hit by a pitch and Marvin Alcantara drew a walk, Taylor came around to score the game-winning run on yet another balk. Taylor ended up with a huge night at the plate, as he also homered, singled, walked, and drove in three runs. Alcantara added two singles and two RBI of his own. Natanael Yuten and Karim Ayubi each went 1 for 3 with a double and a walk. Michael Sansone struck out four without a walk in five innings of work, but he surrendered five runs on eighth hits. Luis Talavera tossed a pair of shutout innings, while Royman Blanco got the win despite allowing two runs. He struck out three and did not walk anybody. 

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The Red team did their part yesterday securing a win, but the DSL Giants Black team also won, which means they will not enter the playoffs as the top seed. The Sox broke through on offense with a four-run fifth inning, starting with an RBI double from Efren Teran. Alexander Mamble singled home a run as well, while Chad Delancey walked in a run and Miguel Rivera hit a sacrifice fly. Teran reached base three times, adding a single and a walk. Enddy Azocar was also 1 for 2 with two walks and a stolen base. Merlin Bido started and was terrific, allowing just one hit and no runs through four innings. He struck out two. Dariel Morillo picked up the win with two shutout frames in relief. 

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The Blue team ended their season on a good note, as they finish above .500 at 27-26. Tavano Baker led the offense by going 3 for 5 with a triple and an RBI. Yoiber Ruiz reached three times with a single and two walks, leading to a pair of runs scored. Givian Sirvania was also 1 for 2 with two walks, and Jesus Lugo added an RBI double. Abis Prado surrendered three runs (two earned) over the first three innings with two strikeouts and three walks. Felix Belisario tossed three solid innings, allowing just one run on two hits. Brahian Rijo closed it out, firing three hitless innings with three strikeouts to pick up the victory. 

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Player of the Day: Roman Anthony takes it home with one of the best games of his 2024 season. The top prospect is off to a tremendous start with Worcester, hitting .333/.379/.556 in seven games. Combining his 2024 numbers with Portland, he is hitting .274/.368/.484 with 23 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs, and 16 stolen bases.